2026 News Archive

Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for Friday, January 23, which may adversely impact the health and safety of court personnel and litigants, the Circuit Court of Cook County will be closed. The Skokie, Maywood and Markham courthouses will be open as warming centers.

The Pretrial Division will operate first appearance court, including newly charged domestic violence cases, on the holiday and weekend schedule. Juveniles who are in custody and scheduled for initial appearances or detention hearings will appear remotely.

The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County is refunding overpayments of fees for court-ordered probation, supervision and community services.

As part of the new administration’s ongoing operational review of its non-judicial departments, a technical issue was identified in the Probation Department’s case management system that had prevented certain refunds for overpayments from being generated.  The issue, which affected a limited number of cases, has been fully corrected and refund checks have been issued.

WTTW Chicago's Matt Masterson's coverage of Chief Judge Beach's first month leading the judiciary: 

https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/05/cook-county-chief-judge-charles-beach-highlights-new-court-reforms-first-month-office

In the month since he was sworn in to lead the Circuit Court of Cook County, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has moved quickly to establish clearer lines of accountability, improve communication and transparency, and strengthen court operations.